CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
I started training in Shotokan with the S.S.K.D in 1991.
With over 3 decades of experience training in Shotokan karate and taking an interest in other styles and techniques then entwining them, has given me a nice, rounded view on what martial arts should be about.
I Started my Karate journey in 1991 in Hailsham, my first sensei was Mac Afsali, who was the Chief Instructor of the SSKD. Sensei Mac had to take some time out from the club so I then went to train with Sensei Andy Paul in Polegate I remained at his club until I achieved 4th Kyu.
I was fortunate enough to be recommended a club run by Sensei Tony Alsop in Horam. after training there for a while I found I connected with his Style and teaching methods so Sensei Tony became my main instructor and I trained under him for many years achieving my 1st Dan in 1996 and 2nd in 2002. I continued to train under him until he retired from teaching.
Sensei Tony had a realistic approach to training and applications. These covered elements of, Grappling, Take Downs/Throws, Striking, Locks, Chokes and Pressure points. Often challenging the traditionally taught bunkai/oyo/Henka. Although not necessarily pretty, they were to the point and very effective. He had a great influence on my training and mindset towards practical applications and how I analyse techniques and interpret kata.
I started instructing at the Horam club in 1996, when Sensei Tony retired a few years later he asked me to take on the role of club sensei.
The S.S.K.D chief instructor was Ian Hollidge ,he ran a club over in Bexhill so I started to train at his club . Sadly I closed the Horam club due to small attendance and increase in venue cost. I continued to train under Sensei Ian.
Sensei Ian is great to train under. He is a smaller frame than Sensei Tony but very fast and technically skilled and kept us on our toes.
In 2016 Sensei Ian and I went to an AMA grading where I was awarded my 3rd dan and Sensei Ian awarded his very overdue 4th dan.
Sensei Ian decided in 2019 to stop teaching a weekly club and take a more back ground support roll, he then deciding in 2020 to pass the organisation over to me, allowing Him to fully retire in order to follow his other pursuits in life.
In 2024, 8 years after being awarded my 3rd dan, I decided I needed to push my self to the next level for personal growth and to help progress the organisation to show my students that I am still trying to progress and give the club a future. On July 13th 2024 I went for my grading and awarded my 4th dan.
I qualified as a Personal Trainer in 2006. I set up my own Gym and named it MetamorFit. present site set up in 2009.
I am continuously adding to my knowledge of anatomy and physiology, psychology and using it too help me teach martial arts and I often use martial arts to help my Pt Clients.
Being part of a small independent organization has allowed me the freedom to go and train on many courses. Bringing back and integrating what I have learnt to pass it on. For me, being open minded and gaining knowledge/skills how to apply them both it is an important focus.
There are many Sensei’s I find very inspiring, regardless of style I want to learn from them and over the years and I have been lucky enough to attend some of their courses and seminars.
to list a few I have been lucky enough to train with.
Sensei’s: – Ben Craft, Dave Hazard, Don Came, Gary Lever, Hirokazu Kanazawa, Iain Abernethy, John Johnston, Les Bubka, Masao Kawasoe, Rick Hotton, Scott Langley, Steve Lowe, Terry O’Neil, Yoshiharu Oasaka, Yoshinobu Ohta,